earthquake

• Sacudida o temblor de la tierra, a veces muy fuerte y destructivo, causado por movimientos en la corteza terrestre o por actividad volcánica.

A sudden and violent shaking of the ground, sometimes causing great destruction, as a result of movements within the earth's crust or volcanic action.

1. Seismic eventA2formalscientific

   A sudden and violent shaking of the ground, caused by movements within the earth's crust or volcanic action.

   Terremoto

   • The earthquake measured 7.2 on the Richter scale.
   • Thousands of buildings collapsed during the earthquake.
   • Scientists are studying the aftershocks following the earthquake.

   Sinónimosquakeseismshocktemblortremor

2. Major disruptionB2informal

   A situation or event that causes great upheaval or change.

   Terremoto (figurado)

   • The company's bankruptcy was an earthquake in the financial world.
   • The election results caused a political earthquake.
   • The discovery of the fraud was an earthquake for the organization.

   Sinónimoscataclysmconvulsiondisruptionshocktremorturmoilupheaval